17/09/2025
🌊 Likely Closure of Balaklava Swim School 🌊
It’s with a sadness that I share an update about the future of Balaklava Swim School.
As you may now be aware, A private provider has been engaged to run the Balaklava Swimming Pool. While this is understandable given the risks and responsibilities that come with managing a pool, it’s a disappointing outcome for our committee, which has proudly operated the swimming pool for over 50 years.
In regards to the Balaklava Swim School and running lessons, this is now an unknown. Each off-season, a huge amount of preparation goes into planning for the summer — hiring instructors, scheduling lessons, organising bookings, and more.
However, currently we have no clarity on whether the swim school would still be allowed to operate, or how exactly a private provider would work with either the committee or a contractor such as the Balaklava Swim School. In all likelihood, a private provider would wish to run their own programs.
Because of this uncertainty, we haven’t been able to commit the time and cost to prepare for the season and as a result, we will not be able to run lessons this year, at least for our younger swimmers.
We would love to continue running squad training for the Wahoos, though how (or if) that can work alongside a private operator is still to be determined – I’ll keep you updated as to whether this can occur.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has supported Balaklava Swim School over the past three years. Your encouragement, enthusiasm, and trust have meant so much, and it’s been a privilege to see so many children grow in confidence and ability in the water.
Our values have always centred around providing high-quality lessons that remain affordable and accessible for all students, and we sincerely hope that this commitment will continue under any future arrangement.
All the best,
Jack
